Frog has hard lumps around mouth

[katie4]

I noticed them for the first time last night, they definitely weren't there when I cleaned her tank last week. They're hard, I touched them with a q-tip and they didn't move or squish. There isn't any sort of scratch or anything like that. She's still eating, ate two large dubia (freshly molted, very soft) minutes before I noticed the lumps. I haven't had a look in her mouth yet though, any ideas what they could be? I put her on paper towels last night, she's normally in Eco earth. Here's a picture, it won't let me attach anything: https://i.imgur.com/rreo6nv.jpg

[monster]

Hi, here is a list of some of the things it could be, and it may be able to help you figure out what it is. It could be some sort of infection or bacterial infection under the skin or one of the following. And IMO he seems to have a few so I wouldn't hesitate to bring him to a vet.

Frogs don't typically require a lot of medical attention but sometimes pet frogs develop lumps, bumps, or growths that you can't explain. What may look like a small bump can actually be a parasitic infestation, a pus filled abscess, or other serious afflictions.

Parasites

Some types of parasites actually burrow into skin and others try to burrow their way out. Tapeworm larvae are one of those types of parasites that seem to burrow their way out. When a frog ingests the egg of a tapeworm (Spirometra or Sparganum spp.) the egg hatches in the intestinal tract, turns into a larvae, and then proceeds to migrate to the skin layer or muscles in a frog. This creates a lump, or growth, on the outside of your frog. This infestation is not only traumatizing to you but also to your poor little frog. The growth needs to be seen by your exotics vet to confirm the infestation and to receive treatment.

Abscesses

If your frog gets a wound that becomes infected an abscess may form.



An abscess is a pocket filled with pus, which in frogs, is a chunky, white substance. This white substance is a mixture of white blood cells and bacteria and accumulates under the skin. Sometimes an abscess will burst and start draining on it's own if enough pus builds up under the skin but usually your exotics vet will need to lance the abscess to allow it to drain. The lump of pus may also need to be cleaned out and your frog may be prescribed antibiotics.

Tumors

Just like other animals, frogs can develop tumors of various types. Both benign and malignant cancers can form along with other kinds of growths. Depending on what kind of tumor it is and the location of the tumor it may or may not cause a problem for your frog.

Skeletal Deformities

Some frogs aren't born completely "normal," others get deformed from a traumatic incident and still some will develop abnormally due to nutrition and husbandry problems. Your frog may be able to lead a very normal life if he has a lump that is just a skeletal deformity but other deformities, like on the legs, may affect your frog's quality of life.

Cysts

A cyst is filled with cystic (similar to pus) material but is non-cancerous. It may burst on it's own or need to be lanced by your exotics vet. It does not bother your frog.

Foreign Bodies

Sometimes objects protrude inside your frog that gives it an appearance of a lump and other times a foreign object inside your frog migrates out of the body and forms an actual lump on the outside of your frog. Regardless, a foreign body requires medical attention. Ingested moss, dirt, sticks, and other foreign objects can cause a large bulge on one side of your frog, giving you the impression that it has a lump. Ingested sharp objects such as pine needles and small sticks can actually penetrate through the intestines and into the body wall of your frog and create an actual lump. These objects that are protruding can be easily removed by your exotics vet by creating a stab incision and pulling the object out, usually without sedation. But if your frog has ingested something he shouldn't have he may require medical attention to help him pass the object. Soaking him in warm water will encourage him to pass it though.
If your frog has a lump of any kind it is recommended to get it checked by your exotics vet. It may be a simple fix or nothing to worry about at all or it may be a nasty infection that requires antibiotics.

[katie4]

Thank you, that was very informative! From that information, I would think it's either tumors or cysts. You're right though, there are two lumps. One is more elongated than the other but neither seem to bother her at all. I'll see what my vet thinks c: I would still appreciate hearing from anyone else who's experienced similar lumps too